Indonesia deports three Aussies for Papua protest

Sep 3, 2019 — 7.13am

Indonesia has deported three of four Australians for joining in pro-independence demonstrations in West Papua, where deadly protests have erupted over the last two weeks prompting Jakarta to deploy thousands of security forces.

Tom Baxter, Cheryl Davidson, Danielle Hellyer and Ruth Cobbol were all arrested in Sorong on Monday and flown to Bali after protesting outside the local Mayor's office and could face an Indonesian travel ban.

Papuans shout slogans during a protest in Timika, Papua province. AP

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the organisation was providing consular assistance to the four.

Mr Baxter, Ms Hellyer and Ms Cobbol were all due to arrive back in Sydney from Bali on Tuesday morning on a Qantas flight.

Ms Davidson was not due to leave Bali until September 4.

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The Australian government's travel advice for Indonesia says traveller should reconsider their need to travel to Papua Province because of safety and security risks.

The development of alternative supplies of critical minerals, as well as other joint efforts by Australia and the United States to address Chinese influence in the region, will dominate talks in Washington.